Here's an instant analysis of the Dallas Cowboys' 28-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium.
What it Means
The Cowboys looked like they were ready to be blown out in the first quarter. Instead, they persevered and came from behind to win a gritty, tough game on the road.
The Cowboys' offense, which gained only 52 yards in the first half, relied on Dak Prescott, Dez Bryant, Ezekiel Elliott, Terrance Williams and Brice Butler to make big plays and seize control of the game in the fourth quarter.
Dallas still has not lost consecutive regular-season games with Prescott as the starting quarterback.
Dallas, Philadelphia and Washington are each 2-1 and tied for first in the NFC East.
Turning Point
The Cowboys converted only two third downs, but Cole Beasley's four-yard catch on third-and-three from the Arizona 43 wound up being a huge play. The score was tied at 14-14 with 13:17 left in the fourth quarter, but two plays later Prescott connected with Butler on a 37-yard touchdown pass after he escaped the pocket.
Player of the Game
Brice Butler only caught two passes, but boy did he make them count. He made a leaping, contested catch in the back of the end zone that gave Dallas a 21-14 lead. After the Cardinals had pulled within 21-17 midway through the fourth quarter, Prescott rolled right and found Butler, who made another leaping catch, for a 53-yard gain that set up Elliott's eight-yard touchdown run.
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Key Stat
Elliott had his first two runs of 20 yards or more on his 38th and 46th carries of the season. Finally, Elliott started to get untracked, which coincided with the Cowboys making big plays in the passing game.
What's Next
The Cowboys face the Los Angeles Rams, who have scored more than 40 points in two of their first three games with new head coach Sean McVay, who's the league's youngest. You know defensive coordinator Wade Phillips would love nothing better than to shut down the Cowboys' offense and beat Jason Garrett, the offensive coordinator when Phillips coached the Cowboys. Dallas has beaten Los Angeles three straight times, including a 34-31 win in 2014, when they rallied from a 21-0 deficit.
